SYTYCD (Episode 9) – Top 4 FINALE!

As sad as this may sound, this is one of my favorite moments on the summer. Every summer, since 2004, I cannot wait until August, so I can catch the Top 4 Dancers on the SYTYCD Finale. This year, SYTYCD has had the strongest Top 4 contestants since Season 2. The top 4 Dancers this season are: Katee, Courtney, Joshua, and Twitch – all dancers that have busted their butt and fought through crowd votes to make it to the finale. Similar to only one other couple (Donyelle and Benji), Katee and Joshua has been the second couple in SYTYCD history to ever make the Top 4.

The Top 4 Finale is different than any other episode because everyone dances with everyone, including Katee and Courtney, Josh and Twitch, and all 4 dancers.

The judges for the night are Emmy-nominated Mandy Moore, Ballroom Queen Mary Murphy, and Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe.

Couple 1: (Courtney and Twitch) — Hip Hop

Judges: Mandy exclaimed “that was awesome!” She added that the Jersey really came came out in Courtney and Twitch always comes into character. Mary said that she felt everything from the performers and the routine was a knockout. Then, Mary let out her loud usual annoying scream. Nigel responded that Twitch should be grateful he was dancing with Courtney and not Mary. He also adds that Courtney took on this role perfectly.

COURTNEY’S SOLO:

In my opinion, this was her best solo of the season. She was so endearing at the end of the routine and could tell that she really respected and loves the experience of dancing. Mandy told Courtney that she has come really far — her spirit and soul is in it. Mary said “you have really been a surprise… you fought for everything and are a true inspiration to ladies everywhere!” Nigel ended in saying “I am so delighted that you’re in the Top 4… it shows how inspirational you truly are.”

Couple 2: (Katee and Josh) — Lyrical

Judges: I can honestly say there is not a single time when this couple has disappointed me. I was literally fighting back tears during this performance. As said previously, I absolutely love Donyelle/Benji (Season 2) and Sabra/Dominic (Season 3), but Katee and Josh are my favorite couple overall. Their chemistry and versatility are incredible. Mandy said “Katee, you are so beautiful and honest in your movements… technically, it could have been slightly better, but it was still fabulous.” Mary said that the routine was absolutely beautiful and the routine was nothing short of FIRE! She added, “I am glad to see you two make the finale together.” Nigel ended in saying “Katee danced it brilliantly and Josh is not a normal dancer… you are a brilliant dancer!”

Couple 3: (Katee and Courtney) — Broadway

Judges: Typically on every finale, I normally like the guys dance more than the girls and this was no exception. Not that this was a bad dance (it certainly was not), I just preferred that guys dance slightly better. Overall, still a wonderful execution. Mandy told the girls that they look adorable and they have nice chemistry. She added, that is reminded her of Old Hollywood. Mary said that is was great chemistry and it was danced effortless… “Who wouldn’t mind seeing the two of you together?” Although Nigel still complimented both, he told Courtney to complete her extensions like Katee.

TWITCH’S SOLO:

Twitch has always deliveredamazing solos, so this was no problem for him. Mandy told Twitch that she was happy that he was in the Top 4. Mary said that he is great in most styles, but as a freestyler, she is speechless (which is easier said than done). Nigel said “you have left your mark all over this competition… you are an entertainer.”

Couple 4: (Josh and Twitch) — Russian Trepak

Judges: Initially, I was afraid of the dance, but then I remembered the last dance style I was afraid of was Bollywood and that performance was fantastic, and this was no different. This performance received an immediate standing ovation from the judges.  Mandy responded “the physical and technical ability is amazing!” Mary told the guys that both of them are fabulous entertainers and it is great the this season is the first time there are 2 hip hop dancers in the finale! She added “this is one of the most fabulous numbers we have had on SYTYCD!” Nigel teased Josh for not being able to handle all of the floorworklike Twitch. Mandy then said, “you should be able to handle it because you are shorter.” Josh immediately responds, “but, I can jump higher.” Their personality really came to life during this routine. Nigel said “josh, your elevation is amazing and Twitch, I don’t keep how you can keep doing that.”

KATEE’S SOLO:

Personally, Katee has been such a strong competitor from Week One when her and Josh performed to ”No Air” by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown. She is only one of two dancers in this season to never have been in the bottom two and at least deserves to come in second place (if not the winner). Mandy told Katee to keep dancing and stay in ballet to continue her artistry. Mary said “you have been a tremendous and athletic dancer on this show, and I look forward to you continuing to blossom.” Nigel said that Katee is brilliant! Congrats!

Couple 5: (Katee and Twitch) — Fox Trot

Judges: Mandy said that this dance was very romantic and the lift was amazing. Mary said, “Twitch that the Fox Trot is a gentleman’s dance and you are one cool gentleman… Katee, Bravo.” Nigel told Katee that she is simply splendid and she can do everything with honesty and beauty. He then told Twitch that he is fantastic!

JOSH’S SOLO:

Similar to Katee, Josh is another strong standout of this season. He is only one of two competitors (Katee being the other), to have never been in the bottom two this season. He has been a great competitor since Week One performing to “No Air” with Katee. If I had my way, he will be the winner of the competition (or Katee). It is something about his personality and sense of humor that just adds to his incredible dancing.  Mandy said “josh, you are smooth, charismatic, you hit with your body… excellent job. Mary responded, “you have been riding first class on the hot tamale train all the way to the finale… you deserve to be here (you’ve got it all).” Nigel ended in saying ”you have set the standards with untrained dancers, so next year people will really have to come up with your standard.”

Couple 6: (Courtney and Josh) — Jive

Judges: Mandy Moore complimented the choreography, saying “holy moly, there were incredible things being done in this choreography.” Mary said the jive is one of the fastest and hardest dances in latindance and what you just did, all I can do is bow to you. Nigel disagreed withthe other judges saying “this is the finale and I expected more… I could easily act as if it was great, but it could have been better.”

The moment we have all been waiting for… TOP 4 GROUP ROUTINE (Contemporary):

Judges: This performance was pure perfection from the first time they entered the stage. Mandy said that this was physically amazing… the versatility of the dancers are incredible. Congrats to Mia Michaels. Mary said “Mia does not hold back with anything… Twitch, you were a standout for me and Katee, you are simply flawless for me. There were some weak spots overall, but a great dance. Nigel said that the four of the dancers are so wonderful and each of them deserve to be in the Top 4 because they all bring something different to the competition. “No one can complain about that performance!”

Who will win the competition?

Personally, I love all of the dancers, but my ideal order would be:

4.) Courtney

3.) Twitch

2.) Runner Up: Katee (although I wouldn’t mind her winning either)

1.) America’s Favorite Dancer: Josh

Tonight, Thursday, August 7th, at 8:00pm will be the moment that all So You Think You Can Dance fans have been waiting for: the RESULTS and “America’s Favorite Dancer!” Stay tuned to Fox tonight to see the resuls.